Resolvin D2

Resolvins are a family of potent lipid mediators derived from both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; ) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; ). In addition to being anti-inflammatory, resolvins promote the resolution of the inflammatory response back to a non-inflamed state. Resolvin D2 (RvD2) is produced physiologically from the sequential oxygenation of DHA by 15- and 5-lipoxygenase and functions to dampen excessive neutrophil trafficking to sites of inflammation. It reduces zymosan-stimulated PMN infiltration by 70% at doses as low as 10 pg per mouse and significantly reduces PAF-stimulated leukocyte adherence and emigration at 1 nM. Also, by stimulating nitric oxide production, RvD2 dose dependently decreases leukocyte-endothelial interactions. In a mouse model of sepsis, RvD2 reduces leukocyte and PMN infiltration, decreases production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promotes phagocyte-mediated bacterial clearance. Analytical and biological comparisons of synthetic RvD2 with endogenously derived RvD2 have confirmed its identity as matching the natural product.